WASHINGTON, DC - JUNE 12: Construction workers build scaffolding near the sign for the Donald J. Trump and John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts on June 12, 2026 in Washington, DC. The Kennedy Center board voted to seek an emergency appeal to block a court order requiring the removal of President Trump's name from the Kennedy Center, but a judge denied their request. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON (TNND) — The Kennedy Center disputed Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse's, D-R.I., whistleblowers' claims on contracts for and renovations to the performing arts center.
Whitehouse alleged that whistleblowers described the renovation effort of the Kennedy Center as prioritizing political optics over sound construction practices, Fox News reported Thursday.
He also claimed that renovations were rushed to satisfy President Trump's preferences, resulting in wasteful spending and improper contracting.
The claims Whitehouse made include that a newly installed bathroom floor was torn out because Trump disliked the tile color; steel columns were painted despite alleged rust beneath the surface; an $8 million flooring contract was awarded to a company with no concert hall experience; and renovations began before receiving congressional authorization.
Whitehouse argued that the claims showed "waste" in treating the Kennedy Center "as if it were a private renovation project."
Kennedy Center officials disputed the whistleblower allegations, arguing they are...
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